Dear Colleagues,
I hope everyone had an enjoyable and restful summer and is looking forward to the rest of the year.
I’m writing this Board Chair Message as an opportunity to talk about a topic that is important to the overall strength of the architectural profession in the province, and to share a message from the Architecture Foundation of British Columbia.
It has been widely noted by experts in professional regulation, such as Sir Harry Cayton, former head of the UK’s Professional Standards Authority, the importance of having both an effective, responsive regulator and a thriving advocacy association body, to achieve a healthy profession. We are fortunate to have both entities in British Columbia: the AIBC and the Architecture Foundation of British Columbia (AFBC).
Since the AFBC’s re-brand in 2021, the Foundation has expanded its reach to promote the best of our profession and drive meaningful change. However, to continue this important work, the AFBC needs more members and volunteers. Below is a call-to-action message from the AFBC Board of Directors & Liaisons:
To our shared architectural community,
We need your support. Without it, the AFBC —and the advocacy and outreach programs we offer— will no longer be able to continue. The AFBC Board is comprised solely of volunteers who are driven by our shared commitment to the architectural community in British Columbia. We rely on the generosity of our members and sponsors – your support is essential for our growth, success, and health of the profession.
Why join? If you’re passionate about advocating for our profession through award programs and public outreach activities, supporting the next generation of architectural professionals, creating community and networking opportunities, or having an organization that will amplify our collective voice, then we highly encourage you to join the AFBC. Below are some current highlights and examples of the types of programs and initiatives that we have hosted over the last several years:
- Architectural Awards of Excellence: Celebrating architectural projects, featuring the Lieutenant-Governor of British Columbia Awards in Architecture. The AFBC is also hosting the inaugural Architectural Achievement Awards to celebrate the individual accomplishments and contributions of architects – tickets are now available.
- Studio and Architectural Walking Tours: Elevating the public’s understanding and appreciation of architecture through hosting tours of architectural studios and neighbourhoods in Vancouver and Victoria. The tours held this past summer were very successful and sold out!
- Advocating for the Profession: Exploring ways to advocate for the architectural profession. This involves conducting surveys, such as the Architecture Industry Demographics Survey, and using the results to implement new initiatives and drive change based on industry feedback. The “Advocacy & Practice” survey is currently open, which will provide the AFBC Board with guidance on future work and areas of focus. We encourage you to participate and have your voice heard – the deadline to respond is November 30.
- Committee Work: Advancing key initiatives through our several dedicated committees: the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity within Architecture (IDEA) Committee; the Intern Committee; Awards Committee; and Advocacy & Practice Committee.
- Design Competitions: Promoting innovation and creativity through design competitions, such as LEMONADE STAND, which will be part of the Design Vancouver Festival.
- Scholarships and Financial Awards: Supporting the next generation of architects. Scholarships and financial awards are available each year to support students enrolled at UBC SALA and BCIT. The AFBC also recently secured an endowment fund with the Bing Thom Foundation.
- Public Outreach, Networking, and Community Building: Providing a variety of networking and community events throughout the year. As part of our Awards Program, we hosted the “Architecture Talks” series where architects presented their award-winning projects in Pecha Kucha format, as well as the lively post-Awards of Excellence After Party. The Intern Committee partnered with the Architecture & Design Film Festival for an outdoor movie night; organized events for Design Victoria; and ran booths at both the Interior Design Show Vancouver and RAIC Conferences. In partnership with local post-secondary schools, we delivered a speaker series for the Venice Biennale, and recently held the Studio Reviewer Workshop & Happy Hour in September.
As a fellow architect – if these are the types of programs and initiatives that you see value in – we need your support. It is important that Architects, Architectural Technologists, Intern Architects, Firms, and all those involved with the profession support the AFBC if they wish to have an advocacy association. The AFBC belongs to all of us, and its strength is measured by your support and involvement. Your ongoing membership will allow us to collectively build and enjoy an energetic advocacy association that provides valuable resources for architects and the design community, as well as highlights and celebrates the substantial work of B.C. architects.
There are a lot of ways to show your support – we thank you in advance for your consideration to this important matter:
- Become a member of the AFBC
- Follow the AFBC on social media
- Become a volunteer by emailing info@architecturefoundationbc.ca
Sincerely,
AFBC Board of Directors & Liaisons
Kim Barnsley Architect AIBC
Megan Chalmers Architect AIBC
Brando Ciccone
Michelle Fenton Architect AIBC
Karl Gustavson Architect AIBC, Chair of the AFBC
Scott Kemp Architect AIBC
Jesse Martyn Architect AIBC
Jeff McLellan
Walker McKinley Architect AIBC
Cal Meiklejohn Architect AIBC
Blair Satterfield, Director, UBC SALA
Kelsey Wilkinson Intern Architect AIBC
Personally, I have been in awe at the range of activities the AFBC offers and look forward to seeing what’s coming next. Thank you for taking the time for reading this appeal for support. I hope to see you all soon at one of their upcoming events.
Yours truly,
Marguerite Laquinte Francis Architect AIBC
AIBC Board Chair